G.I. Gurdjieff (c.1866-1949) brought an organic system of ideas and methods of practical spirituality. This organic body gives the best and most reliable results when all and only his authentic methods are used. The Gurdjieff Society of Newport, founded by George and Helen Adie, is dedicated to passing on those ideas and methods in their integrity.

Gurdjieff’s aim was to serve the divine plan for what he called “conscious evolution.” Each student is given assistance in formulating their own personal aim, while participating in the Society’s activities. But all members of the Society will study the methods Gurdjieff taught for receiving, digesting, and manifesting the divine impulses which Gurdjieff said so much about: conscience, faith, hope, and love.

Gurdjieff brought more than a psychology or a system of self-help. It is basically a method of practical mysticism, I would say, or as Gurdjieff said, to bring our being into correspondence with the being of God. It is a very far aim, but every step in that direction is of great even inestimable value. It gives new meaning to life and to our understanding of religion. We aim to become better people, even in ordinary terms.

Now, for this, we need the assistance of others. Gurdjieff said that it is necessary that a group be conducted under the guidance of someone who has travelled a little further down the road that the new practitioner seeks to journey. What that guidance comprises can be different things at different times, but perhaps the essence of it lies in bringing Gurdjieff’s authentic ideas and methods in a way suited to the students, their capacities and their personal situation. This has two aspects, for which we use the words “objective” and “subjective.” Because we are all more or less in the same situation, and a group acquires a certain character, then study themes, tasks and exercises can be brought for an entire group in regular meetings. In our groups, we place the emphasis on the mystery of remembering oneself, or what is often called “the collected state.” They are two aspects of the same reality. There are absolutely central contemplative exercises in Gurdjieff’s system: everything else, including the ideas and practices such as self-observation, and the Movements, are aids and supports for remembering oneself in life.

Then, at the same time, there are personal aspects: the first of which is our being aim. Everyone is, sooner or later, given the task of formulating their own aim. This immediately introduces a subjective element, so that in group meetings, the objective and subjective sides develop together. Thus the work of one person in a group thus becomes the work of all, and vice versa. There is also opportunity for personal assistance where needed.

So in our groups, ideas are brought in a prepared sequence, often with readings. Tasks for self-observation are given, and the authentic contemplative exercises are taught. Without the latter, progress is rather slower and less certain. The exercises even help us deal with internal obstacles to consciousness and conscience, such as identification, negative emotion and negative imagination. This latter is a very serious problem, and one which is often overlooked. The study, tasks and exercises, introduce new lines into our lives, so that the laws of accident and past history do not have quite so much space to dominate us. They are not so onerous as to prevent mixing in life, but they are powerful enough to add a spiritual dimension to life.

If you are pondering approaching the group, there are a few things to ponder beforehand. First, we ask you to commit to one month. One meeting is not enough. What was not understood at the first meeting may be addressed in the second meeting. The task which  was brought in the first meeting is discussed in the second meeting, Then one takes that forward into the third week. A month is a biological and a social period, It should be enough to obtain an idea of what the Gurdjieff Society of Newport can offer you, and vice versa.

Then, if you wish to continue, there is a question of a financial contribution. This depends on your means. Some people pay very little, and others contribute much more. All the moneys are paid into the Society’s account. But there is no contribution during the first month. That is your time of choosing.

Finally, we ask that you take no part in no other groups, whether on-line, or in reading groups while with us. That is, we ask you to commit to the methods we have learnt and are passing on for that month. This is a strict rule in most groups, and there are sound reasons for it: it is rather like trying to travel in two moving boats at once. After the month, if you wish to leave, you are perfectly free. But we want you to understand this from the very start, and if you do not intend to keep to this condition, then kindly do not contact us.

To enquire about groups, please send us an email, telling us no more than 100 words about yourself, including the area you live in, and whether you could attend Movements in Sydney on any occasion.